French media: North Korea has become the largest ammunition supplier to Russia in the Ukraine-Russia war. Ukrainian and U.S. intelligence agencies estimate that about 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to the Kursk region of Russia to participate in the war, with numbers still increasing. Meanwhile, according to multiple intelligence and research institutions, North Korea has provided a large amount of ammunition to Russia since the summer of 2023 and has become the largest ammunition supplier for Russia in the Ukraine war. According to a joint investigation by the British Open Source Center (OSC) and Reuters, North Korea transported more than 15,000 containers via sea routes to Russia, containing an estimated 4.2 million to 5.8 million artillery shells. This data is based on satellite image analysis of four North Korean cargo ships (Angara, Lady R, Maria, and Maia-1) between Lazin Port and Russia's Far Eastern ports. Researchers indicated that the actual number may be higher, as railway transport and situations not detected due to weather conditions were not included. OSC analysis shows that North Korea delivers approximately 750 ammunition containers to Russia each month on average, becoming a key factor in maintaining Russia's high-intensity firepower. In 2024, the Russian Army consumes around 10,000 artillery shells per day on average, half of which come from North Korea, with some frontline units even having up to 60% of their ammunition made in North Korea. OSC researcher Armendozi warned that the amount of ammunition North Korea provides to Russia far exceeds Western countries' aid to Ukraine; for example, the UK has only provided approximately 500,000 artillery shells since 2022. The types of ammunition North Korea provides to Russia mainly consist of 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells, along with a certain number of 122 mm rockets and a small quantity of ballistic missiles such as KN-23. The report indicates that initially, North Korean ammunition had quality issues, but with feedback from the Russian side, the quality has significantly improved. Despite this, North Korea's advantage lies more in production volume rather than technological level. Analysis suggests that North Korea can maintain such a massive military industrial capacity under long-term international sanctions thanks to the "military-first politics" strategy. Since this strategy was proposed and incorporated into the constitution in 1989, North Korea has prioritized the development of its military industry for a long time, establishing a vast inventory and solid industrial foundation. According to Seoul, after collaborating with Russia, approximately 200 North Korean military factories are operating at full capacity 24 hours a day, with Kim Jong-un visiting the factories multiple times and demanding increased production. These military aids bring North Korea significant economic benefits. The South Korean Defense Analysis Institute estimates that North Korea-Russia cooperation has brought North Korea approximately 18 billion euros in revenue, close to its total GDP for 2023. This includes income from arms trade as well as wages from dispatching soldiers [research data indicates about $2,000 per person per month]. Russia's return extends beyond funds, including oil, food, and advanced technology. Satellite images show that North Korea has received over one million barrels of oil from Russia, far exceeding the limits set by United Nations sanctions. As cooperation deepens, infrastructure is also expanding. Latest satellite images show that a road bridge connecting Tumang Port City and Hassan Border City is accelerating construction. After maritime and railway freight, future land transportation will further facilitate the ties between the "comrades" of North Korea and Russia. Source: rfi Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829768012773388/ Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.